Retail Pharmacy Controlled Substance Count Verification

Daily inspection template for retail pharmacies to verify controlled substance counts, reconcile DEA Schedule II-V inventory, document discrepancies, and confirm secure storage and reporting actions in line with DEA and state board of pharmacy requirements.

Inspection Scope and Shift Details

• Inspection date and shift recorded
  Record the date/time of the daily controlled substance count verification.
• Pharmacy location identified
  Enter the retail pharmacy site, store number, or location identifier.
• Inspector and verifying pharmacist identified
  Document the employee completing the count and the pharmacist or authorized verifier.
• Controlled substance count scope includes Schedule II-V stock
  Confirm the count covers all applicable DEA Schedule II-V controlled substances maintained in the pharmacy.

Physical Count Reconciliation

• Physical count matches perpetual inventory for Schedule II items
  Verify each Schedule II controlled substance count matches the perpetual inventory or dispensing record.
• Physical count matches perpetual inventory for Schedule III items
  Verify each Schedule III controlled substance count matches the perpetual inventory or dispensing record.
• Physical count matches perpetual inventory for Schedule IV items
  Verify each Schedule IV controlled substance count matches the perpetual inventory or dispensing record.
• Physical count matches perpetual inventory for Schedule V items
  Verify each Schedule V controlled substance count matches the perpetual inventory or dispensing record.
• Count method used consistently
  Select the method used to perform the count.

Storage Security and Access Control

• Controlled substances stored in secured, access-controlled location
  Confirm controlled substances are stored in a locked or otherwise access-controlled area with restricted access.
• No signs of tampering, diversion, or unauthorized access
  Inspect the storage area for signs of tampering, missing stock, broken seals, or unauthorized access.
• Access limited to authorized personnel only
  Confirm only authorized pharmacy personnel have access to controlled substance storage and keys/codes are controlled.

Discrepancy Reporting and Corrective Action

• Any count discrepancy documented
  Indicate whether any discrepancy was identified during the count reconciliation.
• Discrepancy amount recorded
  Enter the quantity variance identified for the affected controlled substance.
• Affected drug and strength documented
  Record the medication name, strength, dosage form, and package size involved in the discrepancy.
• Supervisor, pharmacist-in-charge, or compliance lead notified
  Confirm the discrepancy was escalated to the appropriate responsible party per policy.
• DEA/state board reporting requirement reviewed
  Confirm the team reviewed whether the discrepancy requires internal investigation, DEA reporting, or state board notification.

Witness Verification and Sign-Off

• Second verifier present when required
  Confirm a second authorized employee or pharmacist verified the count when required by policy or for discrepancies.
• Witness name and credentials recorded
  Document the witness name, role, and credentials if a second verification was completed.
• Inspector signature completed
  Inspector signs to confirm the count verification and documentation are complete.